DEMOLITION has finally started on eight fire-damaged homes.

The empty properties in Bockingham Green, on the Felmores estate, Basildon, were destroyed after a huge fire started by vandals in November 2009. They will now be replaced.

A £4million scheme to protect homes on the estate from fire and make them more energy efficient is also under way.

Basildon Council is working with Swan Housing to replace the fire hit homes with six modern family sized properties, consisting of two, three-bedroom houses and four four-bedroom houses.

Frank Tomlin, councillor with responsibility for housing and community safety at Basildon Council, added: “This is great news for the Felmores Estate.

“These new, quality, affordable homes signal a positive new start for the local community.”

Basildon Council has completed fire prevention works to loft spaces on all of its properties across the estate.

Further work to external walls will be carried out later this year.

Mark Thompson, deputy chief executive of Swan Housing said: “This is an opportunity to improve the estate as a result of the damage caused by the fire.

“The new design for replacement homes is different, but sympathetic to the existing estate.

‘We worked closely with local residents to come up with a proposal that meets their needs and hopes for the area.”

The council is also planning to undertake potential upgrades of electric heating and hot water systems to high efficiency gas systems.

External bin areas are also being installed away from the properties to further reduce the risk of fire.

Andrew Baggott, councillor with responsibility for community and landlord services, added: “This work represents a significant investment in the Felmores estate.

“The insulation work will make homes warmer and more comfortable and the work to external cladding will not only safeguard from fire, but improve the external appearance of properties.

“These properties will become greener and more eco-friendly, as well as help reduce energy costs for the residents.”